To start with, never wax tribal art works. They should retain their unique patina.

Whether you are an experienced collector or you have just bought your first piece of art, everyone should be aware of the best way to care for your art and preserve it for future generations. Much can be done to increase an artwork’s lifespan, include general maintenance and judicious positioning of the art objects. In the following we give some pointers for art preservation.

Never store art objects in humid spaces
This might seem to be stating the obvious, but few people realize just how harmful moisture can be to artwork, especially paintings and painted objects. The art object absorbs moisture, which may cause paint to run and distort the overall image. Over time, repeated exposure to humidity can also cause mould growth, the effects of which are irreversible. Some of the most common humid locations in the home are bathrooms and kitchens. The best place to display your artwork is a well-ventilated room with sufficient fresh air. You can also use a dehumidifier to minimize the effects of any damp.

Do not apply furniture polish to wooden artwork
Never use furniture polish to clean a wooden artwork. Most tribal art has a delicate patina or coating that is the reason for its unique sheen and the effect of the polish may destroy this. If the wood is uncoated, you should be even more careful, because untreated wood can quickly absorb any polish or liquid, which will dramatically change its appearance.
The best way to clean wooden objects is to regularly dust them, two or three times a week. This will prevent the build-up of dust or dirt, which precludes more serious cosmetic problems in the long term. No liquid or cleaner should ever come into contact with the wood. If you have an old piece of wood that you believe needs cleaning to restore it to its former glory, the best course of action is to consult a professional.

Always keep wooden objects away from direct sunlight
One of the most harmful elements to artwork is exposure to bright sunlight or prolonged exposure to interior lighting such as lamps and spotlights. Over time, this light will cause your artwork to fade and crack – two irreversible issues. Especially ultraviolet light is harmful to paint and will cause it to fade extremely quickly as it affects pigment levels.
The best way to prevent the harmful effect of light is to monitor and control the light levels inside your room. One of the simplest ways of doing this is fitting *Venetian blinds. These are elegant and you have a choice to have them fully closed, partially closed or fully open, depending on the time of day or the light intensity outdoors.

Take care with the storage of unused artwork
If you decide to put some of your artwork in storage, please take due care. Don’t store them in the basement or the attic, as these can be quite humid and susceptible to considerable temperature fluctuations. External buildings like sheds are also a poor choice, not only because of the humidity but also because of the potential threat of rats or insects. It is preferable to store your pieces in your home, in an unused bedroom or closet. Cover objects with a soft blanket and store them in an upright position. If you store several pieces together, separate them with acid-free boards or sheets of cardboard.

If you adhere to this advice, it may help to keep your artworks looking great for many years to come. Is it possible to move your artwork, to change your cleaning techniques or to install some light-controlling shutters? Careful thought and a little bit of time will allow you to preserve your artwork for future generations.